Senegal for all senses

Experience, learn, create and share at Waaw. Apply now for December 2019.

Description of residency programmeWaaw is an artist/volunteer run residency, situated right in the middle of the Saint-Louis island in the Senegal river. In Saint-Louis, the picturesque decay of the colonial town contrasts with the cultural expressions of modern West Africa.

We invite practitioners in all creative disciplines, as well as curators, journalists and researchers, to take part in the sensory feast of Saint-Louis. A stay at Waaw is perfect for individual work in a semi-secluded setting, but community-oriented projects are also possible. In our selection, we generally favour projects with relevance to the Senegalese context. Maximum 6 residents will be working at Waaw at any one time.

Disciplines supported and technical information Visual art in all its forms, sound art, music, dance, craft, design, architecture, writing. We have a library with books on Senegal, woodwork and leatherwork tools, a sewing machine, an easel. Musical instruments and some other equipment can be borrowed. Classes in e.g. drumming, traditional Sabar dance, languages (Franch, Wolof) can be arranged.There is free wifi, but the connection is often rather poor and we actualy encourage you to take time off the net. See our website for more information.

Accommodation The Waaw residence offers simple single or double room accommodation, arranged in a private house with a Senegalese family, at walking distance from the studios. See our website for details.

Studio/ workspace Five studios (between 12 and 16 m2) are available – equipped with tables or workbenches, shelves and seating. Be prepared to share.

Fees and support The fee of €550 covers single-room accommodation, workspace and other facilities in our studio building, an orientation programme and project assistance. Waaw is non-profit, not financed by any public body, and fees go towards paying the bills. We can offer no grants, but selected candidates who have paid the registration fee will be issued a letter of support for seeking financing elsewhere.

Expectations towards the artist We see the residency as a communal experience, and you are expected to share knowledge with other artists and Waaw hosts. We would also like you to give an informal presentation of your artistic practice. End-of-residency exhibitions or shows are welcome – but not obligatory.

Application information To apply, please send us an informal letter by email and tell us why you would like to come to Waaw and what you would like to do during your residency. One A4 will do fine. Please answer the questions listed on our website and link to relevant work or documentation of it online. We are not really interested in cv's or artist's statements. If you must attach files, please limit yourself to two single relevant works. Please make sure that your email message is not heavier than 10 MB.

Selection process We favour projects with relevance to the Senegalese context. Our committee will announce its selection in early April.